USS Knave (AM-256)

USS "Knave" (AM-256) was an "Admirable"-class minesweeper built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. She was built to clear minefields in offshore waters, and served the Navy in the Atlantic Ocean.

"Knave" was launched 13 March 1943, by American Shipbuilding Co., Lorain, Ohio; sponsored by Mrs. Geraldine Donohue; and commissioned 14 October 1943, Lt. Comdr. A. M. White in command.

World War II North Atlantic operations

"Knave" sailed for the Virginia Capes 24 October 1943, via the St. Lawrence River arriving Norfolk, Virginia, 24 November. After a brief period as school ship at Little Creek, Virginia, "Knave" departed Hampton Roads for Rio de Janeiro via Trinidad, B.W.I., and Recife, Brazil, arriving 11 February 1944. She swept Brazilian waters until 4 April when she began 9 months of escorting convoys between Trinidad and Recife. On 1 January 1945, she got underway for the United States, escorting USS Pleiades (AK-46) and arrived Miami, Florida, 15 January.

After overhaul at Miami, "Knave" served as school ship at the Naval Training Center, Miami and at Yorktown, Virginia, visiting Charleston, South Carolina,, New Haven, Connecticut, and Norfolk, Virginia. Detached from school ship duty 11 February 1948, "Knave" sailed from Norfolk to Orange, Texas, arriving 21 February.

Decommissioning

"Knave" decommissioned and was placed in reserve at Orange, Texas, 1 May 1946. While in reserve "Knave" was reclassified MSF-256, sold to the Mexican government 2 October 1962, and renamed "DM-13".

References

ee also

* List of United States Navy ships
* World War II
* Patrol boat
* Minelayer
* Minesweeper

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/k4/knave.htm Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships: "Knave"]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/11/02256.htm NavSource Online: Mine Warfare Vessel Photo Archive - "Knave" (MSF 256) - ex-AM-256]